Ice Earns Three Awards at CHL Banquet
June 6, 2003 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Indianapolis Ice News Release
INDIANAPOLIS, IN-- The Indianapolis Ice tallied a post-season hat trick garnering three awards at the 2002-2003 CHL Spring Conference Awards banquet this past week in Phoenix, Arizona.
A successful year on and off the ice saw the Ice recognized by the league as the Marketing Franchise of the Year, Group Ticket Sales Franchise of the Year and for having the CHL Coach of the Year in Ken McRae.
The Marketing Franchise of the Year award is presented annually to the CHL franchise which best exemplifies the qualities of excellence, creativity and imagination in the areas of promotion and marketing. Continuing a long standing tradition of promotional zaniness the Ice was recognized in part because of its off-ice promotional campaign that included the signing of former 7'-7" NBA star Manute Bol as the World's Tallest Hockey Player, the Guinness Record Book attempt for the World's Largest Toga Party with special guests Otis Day & The Knights, late December's Holiday Relief Party featuring recording artist Tone-Loc and for it's annual "Pack the House Night" charity fund raiser and Christian Concert Series.
The Group Ticket Sales Franchise of the Year award is presented annually to the CHL franchise that generates the highest overall group ticket revenue over the course of the season. The team's record setting group sales campaign was highlighted by eight games with over 1,000 in group ticket sales and a whopping 8,790 group tickets on "Pack the House Night.
The Coach of the Year award was formally presented to Ice Head Coach Ken McRae following a 40-point improvement in the standings and a Northern Conference regular season championship. The award is presented annually to the CHL coach adjudged to have contributed most to his team's success. McRae was named first or second on every ballot cast with one exception.....his own.
"To be recognized for success among your peers is always very gratifying," said Ice General Manager Larry Linde. "It's a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire staff. We made tremendous progress this past season and look forward to the challenge of the upcoming year.
In addition to the above mentioned awards the Ice was also named finalists in two other categories. The franchise narrowly missed out on claiming the top spot for Most Improved Franchise and Public Relations Executive of the Year (Jason Burkman).
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Central Hockey League Stories from June 6, 2003
- Gorillas Win Award for Franchise Improvement - Amarillo Gorillas
- 'Kings Due For A Change - Lubbock Cotton Kings
- Rod Evans Brings Back Hardware - Lubbock Cotton Kings
- Taylor Lost in Expansion Draft - Indianapolis Ice
- Ice Earns Three Awards at CHL Banquet - Indianapolis Ice
- CHL Announces Alignment - Tulsa Oilers
- Oilers GM Wins Award - Tulsa Oilers
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